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Orkney’s ‘ORKtoberfest’ is back, celebrating the food, drink, and Viking heritage of the islands.

There is a packed programme full of events and fun activities, all held in and around Stromness, between 24 – 27 October.

The main event sees the town welcome Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa squad and a Viking Galley, with photo opportunities available throughout Saturday afternoon. Then, as the sun sets, a torch procession through the Stromness street will end with a celebratory burning of the ‘peedie galley’. Torches are available for a donation of £10 to CLAN Cancer Support which can be done online, in person at the CLAN shop in Kirkwall, or at the Ferry Inn on the day of the event.

Throughout the weekend you’ll be able to sample some of the finest Orkney beers alongside guest ales at both the Ferry Inn and the Royal Hotel, and live music sessions will be held too. A special Viking Feast is planned for the Friday night, and Sunday sees fun and games featuring the Orkney Arm-Wrestling Championships, one v one Tug o’War, and Speed Nailing.

The weekend will be capped off by a special curry night and traditional sessions in both the Ferry Inn and the Royal Hotel beer bars.

Torchlit procession through Stromness as part of a previous ORKtoberfest.
A potential local opponent at the Orkney Arm Wrestling Championships as part of ORKtoberfest 2023.One of the handheld torches available for folk to carry during the parade before the burning of the galley at ORKtoberfest 2023.

View the full programme below:

THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER

Orkney beer bars at Ferry Inn and Royal Hotel open from 4.00pm …. offering the best selection of local cask ales alongside the fantastic range of local bottled and canned beers.

5.30-8.30pm evening meals served at The Ferry Inn…. booking advised visit www.ferryinn.com/food or call 01856 850280

9.00pm til late …. open traditional music sessions in the Royal Hotel. Feel free to bring an instrument and join in.

FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER

Orkney beer bars open from 4pm ….

7.30pm Viking Feast …. “Come in yur auld claes and ait wi yur hauns.” Ticketed 3 course dinner at The Ferry Inn. Booking essential. £30 per ticket including toasts. Email info@ferryinn.com or tel 01856 850280 to reserve your place. See www.ferryinn.com/food for information on menu.

10.00pm Live Band at the Royal Hotel. Party to the latest local star line-up, bringing the very best live sound to Stromness. Let the good times roll.

SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER

Orkney beer bars open for Saturday afternoon sessions…. Royal from 12.30-5pm. Ferry Inn from 3.00-5.30pm

2.00pm South Mainland Up Helly Aa Galley on display at Pierhead ….. Photo/selfie opportunity with the full size Viking Galley and SMUHA squad representatives. Great chance for young and old, local and visitor to grab a souvenir pic. Collection/donations in support of CLAN Cancer Support.

4.30pm Torch Gathering….come to The Ferry Inn between 4.30pm and 5.15pm for registration and collection of torches and instructions for the torchlight procession. Torches available on donation of £10 with pre-registration available at the CLAN shop in Kirkwall’s Victoria Street until Friday 25 October, and at The Ferry Inn, Stromness until 4.30pm on the day. Registration and torch collection closes 5.15pm. Registration and payment can also be made online at:

5.45pm Fiery Parade …. Led by the Stromness Royal British Legion Pipe Band and Jarl Leigh Smith, the galley and torch bearers proceed from the Pierhead to Ness.

6.45pm Celebratory burning of the ‘Peedie Galley’ …. Courtesy of Chris Thomas of Stenigar, and subject to weather and tide the bonfire will take place on the beach at the Ness slipway. Fire Marshall’s instructions must be followed at all times. No unauthorised access within the fire barriers or onto shore in front of fire.

8.00pm Orkney beer bars reopen

From 8.30pm …. SMUHA Jarl and Squad visit Ferry Inn – toasts to the Jarl

10.00pm Live Band ….. Live music returns to the stage in the Royal Hotel.

SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER

Orkney beer bars open….. Royal from 12 noon, Ferry Inn from 4.00pm

From 3.00pm The Viking (Fun and) Games …. Incorporating the 2024 Orkney Arm-Wrestling Championship and the right Royal Speed Nailing competition.

NB names to be submitted for Arm-Wrestling and Tug o’ War knockout competitions by 3pm with competitors to be on the premises for 3pm. World Arm-wrestling Federation specification table. BAF rules apply. £5 entry for mens and womens competition. All proceeds to CLAN.

Arm wrestling table available for folk to arrange their own battles.

Speed nailing from 3pm. Big nail wee hammer. Come along and harness your inner Thor. Competition runs throughout the afternoon. Chance your arm for £2 with all proceeds to CLAN.

From 4.00pm (approx) Grand Finals and Trophy Presentations….

5.00pm-8.00pm Ferry Inn Curry Night (mair Fire, Maet and Ale)…. bar and restaurant at Ferry open for a one-off curry night with meat, fish and vegetarian options and plenty beer on hand to wash it down. Booking advised on 01856 850280 but walk-in tables may be available

From 6.00pm closing traditional sessions in the beer bars

11.00pm Final tastes and toasts…. bars close, festival ends.

, Visit Orkney, Food & Drink, Culture & Heritage, Life in Orkney, Culture & Events, Food & Drink, Stromness